FAST START FOR TUCHEL
NEW CHELSEA COACH DUE TO BE IN CHARGE FOR WOLVES
THOMAS TUCHEL is expected to take charge of his first game as Chelsea manager against Wolves tomorrow.
The German coach is understoood to be in London and was due to be confirmed as Frank Lampard’s successor today. It is believed he will sign an initial 18-month contract — taking him until the summer of 2022 — with the option of a further year.
Chelsea’s hierarchy had identified Tuchel as Roman Abramovich’s 11th permanent managerial appointment some time before Lampard was informed of the decision to terminate his contract. They wanted to ensure he would be in place in time for the visit of Wolves before making yesterday’s announcement.
That was delayed as a result of Brexit and Covid-19 regulations, but there is confidence he will be able to sit in the dugout tomorrow to begin a new era at Stamford Bridge.
While the former Paris SaintGermain boss will have to adhere to UK quarantine rules, he will be granted an exemption by the FA and allowed to enter Chelsea’s bubble so long as he tests negative for coronavirus.
Chelsea spent last night finalising the terms of Tuchel’s deal and the 47-yearold has been left in no doubt about the expectations placed on him.
Lampard was sacked after failing to meet his pre-season remit of closing the gap at the top of the table.
The club made it clear to their former midfielder last summer that a top-four finish was not an acceptable minimum requirement.
There were also concerns about his lack of experience and lack of a plan going forward. The form and confidence of a squad that the club’s hierarchy believe is capable of challenging at the top of the table was a factor, too.
Tuchel will be expected to turn around the fortunes of expensive summer recruits and compatriots Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, but it is understood issues within the playing staff went beyond that duo.
A host of Chelsea players sent heartfelt messages to Lampard following his sacking, ranging from academy graduates Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham to new signings Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva.
Lampard was summoned to an early-morning meeting with chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support that I have received over the last 18 months,” he said. “I hope they know what that means to me.
“When I took on this role, I understood the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult time for the club. I am proud of the achievements that we made and I am proud of the academy players that have made their step into the first team and performed so well. They are the future.
“I am disappointed not to have had the time to take the club forward and bring it to the next level.
“I want to thank Mr Abramovich, the board, players, my coaching team and everyone at the club for their dedication, especially in these unprecedented and challenging times.”